Combat Lifesaver is complete

We spent all day out at the FOB doing our exercises and got a glimpse of where we will be living for 7 days starting Monday night. Shouldn't be too bad but less comfortable than the barracks and lots of body armor wearing everywhere we go. No computers either, but we will have access to an outlet, so that means I can bring my phone and my iPod. I'm also looking forward to being back with the other officers, as it has been a little lonely the past four days. I've realized how young these soldiers and Airmen are, although the Army Gaurdsmen and Reservist are a bit older. It's been fun to meet people from all over the country, everyone is mobilizing. I realized how disconnected most of us are from this war when places like this are a hive of activity, all directed towards getting soldiers on the ground in Iraq-- thousands of people coming and going. Everyone has a story, some of them strange and some of them horrific, some funny. People don't really talk about the war, other than talking about ways to fight better or stay safe. Some people don't want to go and others brag about how they just got back 6 months ago, and now volunteered for another 12. Talking with the medics really realigned my thinking and made me realize that the DoD releases scant information about casualties and deaths. I think that's a shame. I guess I'll write it all down and save it for after I am out of the service-- all I can say is, I'm glad I'm not going to Iraq.

Popping smoke

Smoke for the incoming medevac chopper. The instructors gave us an A+ on the exercise.

Yes, that is real blood

We train realistically. If the fake injuries would have resulted in significant blood loss we were expected to start IVs--- there will be more of this next week too. I'll probably have to do a few, as I am now one of about 33 CLS guys out of our group of 120. That means they'll spread us out within the ranks when we do convoys or foot patrols.

Perimeter security

I'm supposed to be pulling security with these guys but I was taking photos instead.

Casualties outside the FOB

One of final scenarios was to go on a foot patrol and respond to a casualty situation off the side of the road, outside the FOB. This is our CCP (Casualty Collection Point). We had to drag two big dudes and a woman out of Humvee and maintain a secure perimeter-- lots of fake mortars and small arms fire popping off. I learned today about the imporatnce of preplacing ear plugs on my helmet.

Extracting a casualty from a Humvee

Harder than it looks with all the gear-- at least the Humvee isn't on fire.